The Strength in the Struggle by ZyAir

The Strength in the Struggle by ZyAir - May 2026 Scholarship Essay

For a long time, the most intimidating challenge I faced wasn't a difficult exam or a physical obstacle; it was the quiet, heavy weight of depression. There were moments when the future felt like a distant, unreachable concept, and the idea of achieving my dreams felt secondary to simply getting through the day. As a young man, admitting to this struggle felt like an admission of weakness, making the mountain ahead of me seem even steeper.

The turning point—the moment this challenge began to feel manageable—came through a combination of unwavering faith and a shift in perspective. I began to lean into my relationship with the Lord, finding a source of strength that existed outside of my own feelings. My faith taught me that my worth wasn't defined by my lowest moments, but by my capacity to persevere. I realized that while I couldn't always control the onset of a difficult day, I could control my response to it through prayer, discipline, and community.

This internal shift quickly began to manifest in my external life. I stopped viewing my depression as a permanent roadblock and started seeing it as a unique vantage point. It gave me a level of empathy for others that I wouldn't have otherwise possessed. This newfound clarity allowed me to focus my energy on my studies at the Career Center. To my own surprise, the person who once struggled to see a future ended up winning a major achievement award. That recognition was proof that I was no longer just "surviving"—I was thriving.

What once felt like an insurmountable wall has now become a bridge to my career path. My experiences have led me to pursue a degree in Psychology at Shepherd University. I want to use my journey to help others navigate their own mental health challenges, particularly within the Black community where these conversations are often sidelined.

Today, the challenge of mental health feels manageable because I have the tools to meet it. I am motivated by the desire to succeed for my single mother, who has raised me and my two siblings with incredible grace. By pursuing my education and managing my well-being, I am not just changing my own life; I am honoring her sacrifices and preparing myself to serve others.